In the eyes of the world, Brexit and the Trump presidency are two sides of the same coin. Their triumphs in 2016 are seen as part of a worldwide anti-establishment, anti-globalisation populist rebellion. Many Brexiteers — including Nigel Farage, the former Ukip leader — revel in the comparison, as does President Trump himself. But others reject any link, arguing that Brexit was a vote in favour of free trade, in contrast with Mr Trump’s protectionism. Yet these Brexiteers may have more in common with Mr Trump than they care to admit.

That may not be obvious days after Mr Trump announced plans to introduce punitive tariffs on imported steel and aluminium — a move that the president justifies on the grounds of national security but which…

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